My dad died and left me his house. I asked his wife to either pay me rent with the $10,000 he left her or go live with her son. She said, “This was my home for years; shame on you!” I felt I had no choice but to evict her. Years passed, and we didn’t speak. Yesterday, she called and demanded to see me. I was shocked to find out that the small apartment she now lives in was actually bought by my dad. She explained that he used the rest of his savings to buy it for her before he died, so she would have a safe place to live if she was ever forced out. She had signed an agreement stating that the apartment would go to me after she passed, but only if she continued living in the house she had shared with my dad. If she was ever forced to leave, she could give it to anyone — and now, she’s leaving it to her son.

After the shock wore off, I became furious. All I did was protect my rights. My stepmother had money and could have paid rent; the house was not a free hotel. The worst part is that I had no idea about this apartment. I feel completely betrayed that the property my dad paid for is now going to her son instead of me.

What should I do?
—Rebecca